Lets talk dilution

BlueWaffle · Feb 2, 2013

ok...i'm having a hell of a time getting an accurate oil level reading on my dipstick. i'm trying to keep an eye on it for dilution but i just can't seem to read a consistent level. i'll run it up to op temp then let it sit for about 20 min and check it. usually the entire indicator is coated with oil. i'll drain some out, check again and still the whole thing is full.

anyways...what i want to know is, how much oil dilution is "acceptable"? i know some hybrids will do it as will some larger conventionals but i just want to know that if I do have it, when do i need to consider pulling injectors out? i just putt around town mostly, usually run errands in it and drive it on the weekends. change oil every 3k. i mean, if it's diluting at all, do i need to stop driving it or is some to be expected? also, can anyone quantify what "some" would be?

begin...

jbkingranch · Feb 2, 2013

Pull a oil sample so you know for sure what's in the oil and how it's holding up. I've had up to 3.6% dilution on my Amsoil 5W-40 and didn't loose much viscosity. Best way to start is send a sample of unused oil in and most test the viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius. Then run your oil for whatever interval you want. Send another sample in to see if any fuel is in it or if there is see what happened to your viscosity with the oil dilution.

BlueWaffle · Feb 2, 2013

good talk so far guys......

2wd-fire · Feb 2, 2013

yeah i would just send some out at say 2500 miles and see where you stand.

Pizza pig · Feb 2, 2013

I cant ever get the same reading on my dipstick... Youre not alone

strokin6L · Feb 2, 2013

I know your hybrids aren't as big as most guys lance, but i remember when Shawn was running Hypermax hybrids in his race truck....i think he said he had to change the oil after about 12 passes down the track(so about 3 miles). But i know hybrids have gotten better with less oil dilution.

Cutting-Edge Diesel · Feb 2, 2013

strokin6L said:
I know your hybrids aren't as big as most guys lance, but i remember when Shawn was running Hypermax hybrids in his race truck....i think he said he had to change the oil after about 12 passes down the track(so about 3 miles). But i know hybrids have gotten better with less oil dilution.

My hypermax hybrids were about 3 passes lol But the barrel and plunger specs were pretty loose compared to my RCD hybrids

BlueWaffle · Feb 2, 2013

i just want to know what is an "acceptable" amount of dilution to have between oil changes...

i think i finally got my oil level stabilized so hopefully i'll be able to tell after a couple weeks of driving

7.3 Whitey · Feb 2, 2013

Maybe its oil pressure sending it. Like blowby?

BlueWaffle · Feb 3, 2013

Redneck6.0L · Feb 3, 2013

No dilution is good. My ii hybrids knock on wood haven't had a issue yet, other hybrids I've tryed always had that issue. If your draining oil to bring the level back to normal. That's to much, not good

BlueWaffle · Feb 3, 2013

i think I overfilled it last oil change. I've never paid attention to my oil level until I put these hybrids in. I'm going to check the oil level tomorrow morning before I run it and actually get an accurate benchmark then drive it a few days and check it again.